Mode to Code’s mission is to democratize access to coding and digital literacy through free, volunteer-led instruction, offered both in person throughout the Bay Area and online, from Vermont, to India, to Bolivia, to Italy. The curriculum teaches practical technology and cybersecurity skills, including web development, Python and AI fundamentals, and digital literacy for seniors. Through partnerships with schools, senior centers, and nonprofits such as Breakthrough Summerbridge, Mode to Code empowers learners of all ages to gain confidence and curiosity in technology. To date, the program has taught more than 1,000 learners across 30 institutions in 10 countries, with 15 high school volunteers leading more than 100 hours of instruction. Mode to Code does more than teach coding—it builds bridges between communities, inspiring empathy, inclusion, and leadership while reflecting the UHS mission to learn with purpose and connect through care. ABOUT JACOB SHAUL ‘26 For Jacob Shaul, technology has always been more than a subject—it’s a way to connect and create. His interest in it began in middle school and deepened at UHS, where he turned his ideas into action. Outside of his leadership roles, Jacob enjoys coding, playing drums, and chess. Balancing academics and innovation, he approaches these endeavors with creativity and care, ensuring that his work will thrive beyond his time at UHS.
IN THE NEWS
Mode to Code has been featured in local and national media outlets including CNN, SF Chronicle, NBC Bay Area News, and more. Explore here: modetocode.com
FEATURES
small project has evolved into a global learning network connecting students, seniors, and volunteers across continents.
FROM
SCHOOL VALUES
TO REAL-WORLD CHANGE
At UHS, education extends far beyond the classroom, turning curiosity into action and values into impact. Through UHS Hacks and Mode to Code, technology becomes a tool for doing good, fostering community, and transforming passion into purpose. These projects exemplify how UHS students live the school’s values every day and demonstrate that learning is most powerful when it serves others.
UHS JOURNAL sfuhs.org
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